About the program
The SPUR program allocated $1.6 million dollars toward small business relief in the form of a one-time credit on sewer/stormwater/water bills. SPUR originally had $1 million allocated and anticipated funding 200 to 300 businesses. Because of the overwhelming need in the business community, the SPUR selection committee worked with Commissioner Fritz and Mayor Wheeler to allocate an additional $600,000. With a total of $1.6 million available, credits were offered to more than 500 businesses, about 25 percent of the businesses that applied.
SPUR prioritized businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, and all people of color (BIPOC), women, childcare providers, and businesses open as part of Phase 1 of the state's reopening plan. The selection process was driven by a clear recognition that Black communities, Indigenous communities, and communities of color are disproportionately affected by this crisis.
SPUR was modeled after and informed by Prosper Portland's Small Business Relief Fund, which provided money to small businesses affected by the 2020 economic and public health emergency.
Community partners
With help from community partners, we awarded utility credits to small businesses most impacted by the pandemic, prioritizing businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), as well as women and childcare providers. The SPUR Selection Committee used the eligibility criteria and equity and vulnerability priorities set out by City Council and developed additional criteria to prioritize the applications. The committee included representatives from the following organizations:
- Council for Economic and Racial Equity
- Portland Utility Board
- Oregon Native American Chamber
- Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon
- Black American Chamber
- Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Oregon
- Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce
Selection process
The SPUR selection committee applied program priorities established by City Council and considered the size of business, business type, how long the business has been in operation, geographic distribution and communities served. The application review process was mindful of historical inequities.
Meet the awardees
We received 2,180 applications and more than 500 businesses were awarded SPUR credits. Among these 500 businesses were SAFE Transportation, Escuela Viva, Bison Coffeehouse, and Danwei Canting, featured below.
At the time Loretta Guzman was being treated for cancer, she was visited by ancestors in the form of bison, which provided for the Shoshone-Bannock tribes of Fort Hall, Idaho. Guzman is the owner of Bison Coffeehouse, the only Native-run coffeehouse in the Portland. She said the SPUR bill credits for her sewer/stormwater/water bill offset the costs of additional lights and awnings that helped make her space inviting throughout this past fall and winter.
Malcom Ricks and his wife, Sheila, own SAFE Transportation, a transportation company that provides busses for approximately 300 special needs children to get to and from school. Ricks grew up with ADHD, which has fueled his passion for the transportation service. The SPUR credits they received for their sewer/stormwater/water bill have helped offset some of their rental costs.
Escuela Viva, a dual-language preschool in Portland with locations in North and Southeast Portland, provides emergency childcare for essential workers. Angie Garcia opened Escuela Viva when she needed childcare for her two-year-old daughter and estimated that the SPUR bill credits would cover her sewer/stormwater/water bill for the rest of the year.
Inspired by the flavors and culture of Northern China, Kyo Koo, head chef of Danwei Canting, fills a unique niche in Portland's restaurant scene. For the past few years, Koo has provided a contemporary take on traditional Chinese cooking, allowing Portlanders to savor the flavors and nostalgia of Beijing. Koo explained that with the SPUR credits covering utility costs, the restaurant adapted to changing expenses due to COVID-19 restrictions implemented throughout the past year.
Other resources for financial support
Check out our financial assistance resources we offer our customers:
- Learn more about our bill discount program for residential customers.
- Sign up for monthly billing or set up a payment arrangement.
- Get a free water efficiency consultation or order free water efficiency devices.
- If you safely manage stormwater that falls on your property, you can sign up for Clean River Rewards.